Faiza Abdulkadir returns N4.8 million wrongly credited to her account, earning praise nationwide for her honesty amid economic hardship

Faiza Abdulkadir returns N4.8 million and, in doing so, has become a national symbol of integrity in a country grappling with economic hardship and rising moral decline.

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Faiza, a cleaner at a tertiary hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State, returned ₦4.8 million that was mistakenly deposited into her bank account — despite earning only ₦30,000 monthly and living in a single room with her five children.

In an emotional interview with News Central TV, the humble worker said she made the decision to return the money for her peace of mind and fear of divine consequences.

“When I confirmed it was genuine, I knew it wasn’t my money.

That was why I decided to transfer it back… I could not eat for days,” she said in Hausa, translated into English.

Faiza’s story, which first aired on August 24, has since gone viral across social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where users hailed her integrity as rare and heroic.

Despite her modest background, Faiza never considered keeping the money.

In fact, she said she was frustrated by bank delays in trying to return it — but persisted nonetheless.

“It is today that I am happy. The past three days have been hard,” she said, tearfully.

Prominent voices have joined in recognising her courage.

Activist Bashir Mohammed said she deserves a national honour, while residents in Maiduguri are calling on the government to empower and support her.

“Just look at her condition. Yet she was thinking about how she will be remembered after death.

That touched me deeply,” said Maiduguri resident, Salius Yusuf.

Sheikh Ibrahim Sali, who provided her current shelter in Gongi, also praised her decision, describing it as a powerful testimony of faith and virtue.

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So far, Nigerians have raised over ₦135,000 to support her family. Many believe that’s just the beginning and are pushing for formal recognition or even a national empowerment initiative in her honour.